Rhodes, Crete, and Continental Greece
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a 12-day journey through the heart of Greece, a country steeped in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of ancient ruins, vibrant cities, and idyllic islands. From the iconic Acropolis in Athens to the stunning island of Santorini, each day presents a new adventure. Explore the medieval fortress of Rhodes, the Minoan Palace of Knossos in Crete, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Meteora. Experience the local life in bustling squares, charming coastal towns, and picturesque villages. This tour includes comfortable accommodations, guided city tours, exciting excursions, and ample free time for independent exploration. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a culture vulture, or a nature lover, this tour promises an unforgettable Greek odyssey.
Included
Includes arrival transfer
Evening transfer: Plaka neighborhood in Athens
ATENAS
: PRESIDENT or NOVOTEL ATHENES or SKYLARK
FERRI ATENAS RODAS
: FERRY ATENAS RODAS or SEMIRAMIS CITY or ARTE
Heraclion
: IBIS STYLES HERAKLION or AMALIA KALAMBACA or KOSTA FAMISSI
We know how important hotels are on your trip. The hotels have been selected taking into consideration quality, price and location. They are located in the cities we visit, most of them not in the city center but all of them with easy access to public transportation nearby. Our accommodation is not based on luxury hotels. Please keep in mind that standards, bed sizes and room dimensions can vary between hotels of the same class in different locations. All rooms are equipped with private bathroom and TV. Some of them also offer a mini-bar, safe box, and hair dryer. Many hotels, mainly in North Europe, do not have air conditioning or local legislation establishes limited dates of use.
Basic travel insurance
City tour in: ATHENS, Rhodes
Ticket admission: Palace of Knossos at Heraklion with visit, Panagia Kera Church; Island-Citadel Spinalong , Monastery at Meteoras , Archaeological Ensemble of Delphi; Monastery of Osios Loukas
DINNER AND FOLK SHOW IN ATHENS (2 HRS)(60 EUR)
We will depart on the bus with our guide to the lively Plaka district at the foot of the Acropolis. We will have a taste of the typical local cuisine in one of its famous taverns and watch a dance performance from different regions of this country. -Bus tour with our guide.
-Dinner-tasting with performance.. 15 number of people required.
English speaking tour in: ATHENS, Rhodes
Please note also that your tour guide might be changed once or several times during the tour. On some tours, according to the number of passengers, the service may be provided in bilingual (usually in English and Spanish), either accompanied by two tour leaders, one for each language, or a single tour leader for smaller groups explaining in both languages.
International flights are not included
Flights included: Flight Rhodes-Crete with transfers
Meals as stated
1 Dinner Included in: Kalabaka
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Athens
- Athens - Arrival day
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Welcome to Athens, the capital of Greece! Upon your arrival at the airport, our representative will greet you and arrange your transfer to the hotel. Check the hotel reception's information boards for details about the welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travelers.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Athens
- Athens
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- Acropolis Museum
- Peristeri Park
- Panathenaic Stadium
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Today, we delve into the rich history of Athens with a city tour guided by a local expert. We'll visit the Presidential Palace, the Panathinaikos Stadium, and the bustling squares of the city center. The tour concludes at the Acropolis, a symbol of ancient Greece (entry not included). In the evening, we'll head to the Plaka area, known for its quaint Greek bars and vibrant folklore.
Day 3 – Day 3: Departure to Rhodes
- Athens
- Rhodes
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Enjoy your morning at leisure in Athens. You can explore the city further, visit its museums, or indulge in some shopping. In the afternoon, we'll head to the port of Piraeus to board a night ferry. The ferry offers cruise-like conditions, and you'll be accommodated in a comfortable double cabin. Spend the night on board, sailing towards the island of Rhodes.
Day 4 – Day 4: Discovering Rhodes
- Athens
- Rhodes
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- Rhodes Windmills
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Arrive in Rhodes early in the morning. We'll embark on a city tour, exploring the impressive walled citadel and the old town that bears the marks of various cultures that have inhabited it. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Day 5 – Day 5: Rhodes to Crete
- Rhodes
- Heraklion
- Athens
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- Lindos Acropolis
- Ιερά Μονή Φιλερήμου
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Today, we explore the island of Rhodes. We'll visit Filerimos, a hilltop village with a small monastery, and Lindos, a village dominated by a medieval fortress and Greek Acropolis. Enjoy the white streets of Lindos, relax on its beaches, or climb to the Acropolis (on a donkey, if you wish). After lunch, we return to Rhodes for some free time. In the evening, we'll transfer to the airport for a flight to Crete, landing in the city of Heraklion.
Day 6 – Day 6: Exploring Crete
- Heraklion
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- Old Chania Market
- Reptisland
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In the morning, we travel along the coast towards the west of Crete. We'll visit Rethymno, a beautiful coastal city of Venetian origin, and Chania, a captivating city with an impressive fortress and stately mansions. We return to Heraklion at the end of the day.
Day 7 – Day 7: Palace of Knossos and Agia Galini
- Heraklion
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- Minoan Palace of Phaistos
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Today, we'll visit the Palace of Knossos, where you can learn about the Minoan culture that gave rise to Greek culture four thousand years ago. We then cross the high mountains in the center of the island, traveling to the southern area. We visit Agia Galini, a picturesque town with labyrinthine streets, a fishing port, and popular taverns. Enjoy lunch and, if you wish, a swim in the sea. We return to Heraklion in the evening.
Day 8 – Day 8: Eastern Crete and Spinalonga
- Heraklion
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- Monastery Panagia Kera Kardiotissa
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We'll leave for the east of the island, visiting the small town of Kritsa and the 13th-century church of Panagia Kera, known for its frescoes. We then head to Agios Nikolaos, a picturesque town with a natural port. After a walk and lunch, we'll visit Elounda, a beautiful tourist enclave. From here, we'll take a boat ride to the island-citadel of Spinalonga, an ancient Venetian fortress that later served as a leprosarium. We return to Heraklion for the night.
Day 9 – Day 9: Santorini to Athens
- Heraklion
- Athens
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- Akrotiri
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Early in the morning, we'll transfer to the port and take a fast ferry to the island of Santorini. We'll visit Oia, the most spectacular town on the island, and Fira, the island's capital. You can choose to descend by cable car or donkey to the port, where the cruise ships arrive. Later, we'll return to the ferry port to take a fast ferry back to Athens, arriving at midnight.
Day 10 – Day 10: Northern Greece and Meteora
- Athens
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- Παρνασσός
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We depart early in the morning towards the North of Greece. We'll stop in Kamena Vourla, a beautiful seaside town, before proceeding to Kastraki, a picturesque village with stunning views of the valley. We'll visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Meteora, known for its monasteries perched atop towering rocks. Dinner is included in Kalambaka.
Day 11 – Day 11: Delphi and Return to Athens
- Athens
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- Delphi Archaeological Museum
- Hosios Loukas Holy Monastery
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We'll travel south through the Thessaly region to Delphi, known for its archaeological site overlooking the Gulf of Corinth. After lunch, we'll visit the Osios Loukas Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its 11th-century mosaics. We then continue our journey back to Athens, arriving in the evening.
Day 12 – Day 12: Farewell
- Athens - Departure day
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After breakfast, your Greek adventure comes to an end. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories and look forward to welcoming you back on another exciting tour.
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